0 items
8-OH HHC: Everything you need to know about the HHC metabolite
Reading time
⌛
4 min
You may have enjoyed 10-OH-HHC among our new products, today we're talking about its cousin, 8-OH-HHC!
Although these two metabolites are very similar to each other at the molecular level, 8-OH-HHC has a unique level of interaction that allows it to develop its own specificities and distinct effects.
Discover our 10-OH-HHC products
Want to learn more about 8-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol ? Stay tuned, we'll introduce you to this new gem, derived from CBD, which is going to be a hit on the market.
8-OH-HHC: A metabolite of HHC
8-oh hhc is a metabolite, that is, a by-product created by the "digestion" of HHC by the body.
When HHC is consumed, it enters the bloodstream before being filtered and processed by the liver and its enzymes. Following this enzyme processing, a series of oxygenated derivatives are created. Some of these byproducts retain biological and psychoactive activity; this is the case for the two we are interested in here: 10-OH-HHC and 8-OH-HHC.
But it's important to know that these are far from the only metabolites created by HHC consumption. We don't know exactly how many are created, but since HHC is processed similarly to THC in many ways, it's estimated that it could create a roughly equivalent number, around 80 different metabolites.
The effects of 8-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol
Some preliminary studies, such as those conducted by Professor Mechoulam during the discovery of HHC metabolites in the 1940s, demonstrated that 8-OH-HHC could have psychoactive effects similar to HHC. These effects are themselves quite close to those of Delta 9 THC.
According to the results of these studies, it appears that 8-oh-hhc can interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, causing:
- A feeling of joy and euphoria
- Physical and mental relaxation
- A change in appetite
- Easier sleep onset and longer, deeper sleep
8 OH HHC VS 10 OH HHC
As mentioned, there are many similarities between 8-OH HHC and 10-OHhhc. At the molecular level, the difference is quite subtle; they are distinguished by the position of their hydroxyl groups (OH). The OH group is located at the 8th position of the carbon chain for 8-OH and at the 10th position for 10-OH hhc.
In terms of effects,both molecules are quite similar to HHC. They are capable of producing psychoactive effects and a similar high. However, the psychoactive effect of 10-OH HHC tends to be shorter, while that of 8-OH HHC is longer but milder.
Another difference between the two lies in the fact that 10-OH HHC has been detected in very small quantities in some cannabis flowers. This is not the case for 8-OH, which has never been found anywhere other than in human or animal bodily secretions.
8-Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol: Medical applications
Although known since the 1940s, very little reliable and robust scientific data exists to date regarding 8-OH HHC. The compound has not yet been the subject of in-depth and exhaustive studies. However, the limited data we have on 10-OH HHC and the much more extensive data on the metabolites of Delta-9-THC can shed light on the potential medical uses of 8-OH HHC.
Most cannabinoids are known and widely studied for their pain-relieving potential, particularly against chronic pain, their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential.
It is quite possible that, due to its interaction with CB1 receptors, which play a key role in pain management, the treatment of inflammation, and certain neurodegenerative diseases, 8-OH-HHC could find applications in medicine in these areas. However, at present, no evidence has emerged to confirm or refute these hypotheses.
Legal status in France and the European Union
In France, HHC and its derivatives such as HHCO, HHCP, and HHCPO have been banned. However, 8-OH-HHC, and other HHC metabolites, are recent discoveries; they have only just entered the CBD market. Currently, there are no specific regulations governing these molecules, so they are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
Within the European Union, only France, Austria, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, and Hungary have banned HHC and its derivatives. However, no country has yet taken a position on 8-OH-HHC and 10-OH-HHC.
8-OH-HHC and saliva tests
HHC metabolites have been studied for use in testing and screening. Indeed, as byproducts of consumption, they are the ones sought as evidence of HHC use.
8-OH-HHC is the most highly and rapidly present metabolite in saliva following HHC consumption. Tests reacting to this molecule could be implemented, butsince HHC is simply prohibited, these tests have not been developed.
However, 8-Oh-HHC flowers and resins are like all other CBD products: they can contain up to 0.3% THC, which gives a positive result on road tests and could get you into trouble if you smoke them before driving.
